Bead Blast Query??

K

knifenerd

Joined
Dec 27, 2000
Messages
2,550
I may be slightly off the wall with this, but I was under the impression that bead blasting, when properly done, was intended to close the "pores" on blade steel in order to provide a more durable finish, and not open it to more rusting problems.

The vast majority of opinion here seems to be that bead blasting causes a blade to have a greater tendency to rust problems.

Are there different methods of BBing? Do they lead to different finishes that have varying degrees of rust probs or lack thereof?

Any and all opinions/comments respectfully accepted.:) :)
 
It's been my experience that bead blasted blades tend to retain moisture because of the pores on the surface of the blade. That's why it's important to keep them clean and protected. I like the grey look of bead blasted blades but for better corrosion resistance, I prefer a satin or a stonewash finish.
 
Bead blasting will actually make small pits in the finish.
Different media is available in various grits. Sand, glass (silica), and even walnut shells are used for abrasive blasting.

Bead blasting generally refers to glass beading and is a decent looking finish. Bead blasted blades should be kept well oiled.

'Closing the pores' would be a secondary operation. Bead blasting creates a surface of minute peaks and valleys. Secondary polishing or tumbling breaks down the peaks and smooths out the finish.

Alex
 
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